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Coordinated and communal hunting behaviours by Erabu sea krait Laticauda semifactiata
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  • Ru Somaweera,
  • Vinay Udyawer,
  • Joe de Fresnes,
  • A. A. Thasun Amarasinghe,
  • Jay Catherall,
  • Galina Molchanova
Ru Somaweera
Stantec Australia

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Vinay Udyawer
Australian Institute of Marine Science
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Joe de Fresnes
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A. A. Thasun Amarasinghe
Universitas Indonesia Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam
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Jay Catherall
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Galina Molchanova
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Abstract

Opportunistic observation of Erabu sea snakes (Laticauda semifaciata) provide evidence that these species undertake a novel foraging tactic; coordinated communal hunting. Erabu sea snakes prey on cryptic fish species in highly complex reef habitats. Intra- and interspecific cooperative hunting strategies may increase chances for all members of the hunting party to encounter and capture prey in these complex habitats. Here we recorded 52 instances of communal hunting by Erabu sea snakes with conspecifics and other predatory fishes at recreational dive sites in Southern Lombok, Indonesia. These observations highlight the potential higher cognitive capacity of sea snakes to coordinate activities around communal hunting events.